Robert Hubert Davis

Robert Hubert Davis, Sr. passed away peacefully at home around midnight of December 18, 2010 after a brief illness, lovingly surrounded by family. He was born on May 13, 1921 in Port Arthur, Texas to Henry and Birdie Lay Davis. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1940. Even from teen years, his admiration and love was for Dorcas Pattison "Patsy" Stanley. Hubert and Patsy were married on December 18, 1943 in Colorado Springs, Colorado just before Hubert shipped out for war duty in the European theatre (Rome-Arno campaign and other action) of WW II. In the Army of the United States, he was a high speed radio operator for the 420th Signal Company. Hubert was awarded a good conduct medal and the bronze star medal for bravery and acts of merit. After his military service, he settled in Port Arthur with his bride, and soon became a father. For 40 years he worked at the Texaco Port Arthur Refinery, rising to the rank of head supervisor in the Packing and Shipping department until his retirement in 1981. Hubert was a life-long member of First Christian Church Port Arthur where his parents and parents-in-law also attended and were active leaders. Throughout his life, his church family was very important to him. Participating in numerous committees and programs, Hubert was an active deacon of FCC for many years up until his demise at age 89. He was also a 32nd degree Freemason and member of Cosmopolitan Lodge 872 of Port Arthur. Hubert was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle who possessed a caring and gentle, though strong, spirit. He will be missed by all who knew him. In his younger days, Hubert was quite the athlete in track and field, basketball, and other sports. He once held a local record for the 880 yard run track event. One of Hubert's great passions in life was baseball. In that arena, he became known as "Lefty" Davis. During high school, he excelled in American Legion ball as a pitcher and first baseman. After high school, he played semi-pro baseball and, in the 1940's and 1950's, he played military baseball and later fast-pitch softball for the Texaco Oilers and the Texaco Stars local teams, with numerous championships and all-state performances. Over the years, his hobbies included spending time with his children and grandchildren, storytelling, dishing out large bowls of Blue Bell ice cream, recreational sports including fishing and hunting, gardening, and amateur beekeeping. He loved to spend time at the Stanley family ranch near Burton, Texas. Hubert was preceded in death by his devoted wife Patsy, who passed away in 2005 after nearly 62 years of marriage; his parents Henry and Birdie Davis; his sister Mildred Davis Jolly; and his twin brother Dr. Herbert P. Davis. Hubert is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Nancy and Alan Swedberg of Detroit Lakes, MN; his daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Glenn Caver of Atlanta, TX; his son and daughter-in-law, Robert H., Jr. (Bob) and Janet of Austin, TX; his son and daughter-in-law, Stanley H. and Donna Davis of Port Neches, TX; seven grandchildren: Michael Langford, Major Andrew Swedberg, Elizabeth Langford, Bobby Davis, Annie Swedberg, Jenna Burleson-Davis, and Betsy Davis; one great-granddaughter, June Pattison Swedberg; his sister Bennie Davis Heffner; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the compassionate care given to our dad during the final season of his life by Diane Henslee, Cindy Mason, Angie Cassill, Vickie Thames, and the staff of Odyssey Hospice. Their patience, compassion, and good humor for Dad were greatly appreciated and extended the quality of his days. A visitation will be held from 3 to 6 pm on Sunday, December 26, 2010 at the Levingston Funeral Home in Groves, TX. A service of remembrance is also planned for 10 am, Monday, December 27, 2010 at First Christian Church Port Arthur followed by an interment service at the Christian Church Cemetery in Washington County, TX. Reverends Scott Wallace, Scott Miller, Robert G. Hofmann (nephew of Hubert) and Dr. Robert E. Gartman (cousin of Hubert) will be presiding at the services. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pieceway Ministry, 6450 FM 1697, Carmine, TX 78932; Library Fund of the First Christian Church Port Arthur, TX; or Odyssey Hospice Care of Beaumont, TX.